Catholic Health West

Hospital’s grant program awards $24,000 in funds

By TPR Staff

Four local organizations will share $24,000 in grant funding from the 2009 Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) Community Grants program at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.

The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, Arroyo Grande High School, Five Cities Meals on Wheels and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO), Inc., were recently awarded grants through the program.

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The Food Bank received a $5,500 grant that will be used for the agency’s “Healthy Food Makes People Healthy” project that aims to help meet the needs of children at risk for poor nutrition while not at school.

The grant also will be used to help fund the Harvest Bag food program that provides weekly distribution of food bags to low-income persons and seniors at Soto Field in Arroyo Grande.

Arroyo Grande High School was awarded a $9,000 grant to fund the “Healthy Start for Teens” program that teaches students healthy eating habits, diet, nutrition and appropriate exercises to help them lose weight in healthy ways, and help them to successfully accomplish their required physical fitness exams.

A $4,000 grant was given to Five Cities Meals on Wheels program, which uses an all-volunteer staff to prepare and distribute meals to homebound individuals.

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County received a $5,500 grant that will be used to continue providing low-income seniors, ages 50 and older, with free preventive and maintenance health screenings, education and referrals through its no-cost, mobile Health Services’ Program.

The Community Grants Program is designed to help communities provide support for underserved populations and is funded by contributions from its member hospitals, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Grant awards typically range from $2,000 to $50,000.